Battle for Taiz is for whole of western Yemen, warns ex-PM Maeen Abdelmalik Saeed

Former Prime Minister Maeen Abdelmalik Saeed warned that the Houthi siege of Taiz in southwestern Yemen is a critical battle that could signal the fall of the entire western part of the country. "It’s a battle which concerns all of the west [of Yemen]," he told The National. Saeed emphasized the importance of reclaiming Taiz to build momentum against the Houthis and Sanaa.

The city, home to nearly one million people, is a stronghold for the government and a key target for the Houthis. While the rebels have closed most of the roads into Taiz, they have not yet implemented a complete blockade, according to Saeed. The Houthi forces are consolidating control in the surrounding rural areas before expanding into the city.

A government-led offensive has taken control of the center of Mokha, a port city captured by the rebels, but heavy bombardment from Houthi forces in the surrounding hills continues. The pattern of fighting demonstrates Houthi ambitions to capture other key cities in western Yemen. Houthi missiles were fired at the Presidential Palace in Aden on Thursday, killing five people, and there are indications the rebels may target Lahj, a city near Aden housing a large military camp.

Saeed believes the Houthis know they will face resistance within Taiz and its outskirts, but the group may struggle to finance the administration of the city due to its lack of resources. The Houthi advance in Yemen is being encouraged by Iran, which continues to arm and train the militia, according to a Saudi official.